The Sand Ramp Trail

This hike includes a bit of a drive, but since it’s one of the most spectacular and distinctive trails in the region, it’s worth it. You’ll hike the little-visited back side of Great Sand Dunes National Park, where the sea of sand crashes against the mountains.

To get there: From the main entrance at Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley, drive to the campground and turn left onto Medano Primitive Road. Drive one mile to the Point of No Return parking area, or, if you have a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle loose sand, continue five miles to a trailhead just past Little Medano Creek.

Trip log: Two to four boots. 22 miles round trip from Point of No Return; 12 miles round trip from Medano Creek. Many shorter options available.

The hike: This hike essentially walks the line between the 750-foot-tall pile of sand that is the dunes and the rocky rampart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Pick up a map at the visitors center and start a rolling, easy-to-follow and (not surprisingly) sandy trail to the north. It winds through stunning old-growth ponderosa pine groves and meadows where tiny dunes have escaped the main field. Keep an eye out for the rare Great Sand Dunes tiger beetle, with its glassy green wings.

At Indian Grove, 3 miles from Point of No Return, take time to inspect the giant pines peeled more than a century ago by Utes and Apaches. How far you go on this trail is up to you. Hikers can camp at one of six backcountry campsites and take the sand ramp all the way to a grove of cottonwoods on Sand Creek at the far edge of the dunes, or just spend a day picnicking and enjoying a view of the dunes from a perspective few ever see.

Details: Permit required for overnight camping.

Dogs: Not allowed

Information: Great Sand Dunes rangers, 1-719-378-6399

Rating system: A scale of one to four boots. One is easiest, with little elevation gain. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length or altitude.